What do audiologists do?

Audiologists study hearing, balance, and related disorders. They are also health care professionals who treat people suffering from hearing loss and help prevent related damage. Audiologists see patients in appointments and use various tests to determine the patients’ range of hearing. If the results are abnormal, they test further to determine which portions of hearing are affected, the severity, and the cause of the problem. If a hearing loss is detected, the audiologist will provide recommendations for treatment and help the patient understand further options. Some audiologists work in hospitals and clinics, while others work in rehabilitation centers or in specialized settings like veterans’ hospitals or pediatric hospitals.